Contents

Summary

Rand, Rhuarc, and the other Jindo begin to jog toward Cold Rocks Hold. Amys joins them, but the rest of the Wise Ones, along with Moiraine and Egwene, continue at a normal pace. Couladin joins the group and then Mat does, too. They approach Lian, the roofmistress of Cold Rocks Hold to give and receive greetings. Rhuarc and Heirn ask leave to enter the hold which is granted. Then Couladin asks, but as a clan chief (which he is not) and receives a bare welcome, as one friendless and alone. Couladin stalks off clearly angry at being greeted as a beggar. Rand gives his greeting and Lian gives hers back to the Car'a'carn.

Rhuarc puts his arms around Amys and Lian and introduces Rand to Amys as the wife he has met and Lian as the wife he hasn't. Rand hadn't really grasped that some Aiel had two wives. They enjoy a pleasant meal of a crumbly, course yellow cake [1]; a spicy stew of goat meat and peppers; zemai and t'mat[2]; long red beans mixed in with green beans; and a sweet fruit called a kardon[3]. Aviendha continues to lecture Rand about everything. Rand resolves to give her a gift which he hopes will reduce the sharpness of her tongue. Rhuarc informs Rand that several clan chiefs have already arrived at the meeting place, Alcair Dal, or are on their way.

Rand wonders if he should go soon to the meeting, to make sure the clans do not continue with whatever blood-feuds they have. Rhuarc recommends against that since those not present will lose honor when the Car'a'carn is presented. Rand leaves the conference to go out for a walk.